A LAWFUL WASTELAND

[counterattack]

[ it's December 8. Law turns 18 today. at this point, he's been living in Copalli for over a year. during the final relic fiasco, he achieved trance within about five seconds (because it's basically overlimit) and faced Tiamat in her castle because he had a score to settle with dragons (dragons, wyverns, same shit) and had enough taking shit from these mother fucking guardians in this mother fucking jungle. it was epic.

anyway, it's a few months later and Law lives in Tikal again, down at the bottom of the crater. they've built bridges and pulleys aboveground, as well as created a system to keep the crater from filling with water when it rains. although most of his farm was lost during Tikal's fall, he's rebuilt it bigger and better than ever and repopulated it with even more chickens, hogs, cows and even a few semi-domesticated mist monsters. there's also proper crops, probably due in part to at least one friend or another planting on the huge expanse of land he's set up there. he also rebuilt the inn that collapsed on top of him back then, and this time it's actually finished. he got a local business manager to help run the place and they export animal products and crops all over Copalli. the inn is booming. it's great.

all is well.

except now it's his birthday and Law is just trying to go about his business like he doesn't know that, strapping on his fancy wolf gauntlets and shouldering a big pack of supplies to go make some delivery trips to the other cities. nothin' to see here, not ya lil dude all growed up, a solid 5'9" (and a half) with some cool tribal tats done over his wyvern scars and something of a more mature countenance, buuuuuttt still the dweebo dorkus doofus meathead he's always been.

ANYWAY, THIS IS #LATERGRAM INCENSEDVERSE. medallion him, meet him at any of the cities, fight monsters together on the road, pretend there was a party planned that he's trying to sneak out of showing up to, WHATEVER WORKS. ]

Comments

[counterattack]

Yep.

[ Law grins, totally relaxed and totally unsuspecting. It isn't that he insisted on no birthday things, gifts, or anything like that, he just hadn't made a point of mentioning anything about it at all. It's not so weird, really, when you think about it. Like, what Dahnan is all that used to being like, "hey, it's my birthday soon" and having anyone around them care? Sure, yeah, he had a big party a year ago and it was great, and he sure doesn't act the same as he did back home after a whole year of living in Copalli, but... still. Old habits, or whatever.

Anyways, Law gets his kicks in lording his extra inches over her from time to time, just not right now. Especially not when Hootle's around, because then the little (getting bigger though, geez) pest will just fly up and try to peck his eyes out. His pack's notably lighter after this Coba dropoff, but there's still plenty more to do, and it seems like a perfectly fine and sensible use of his time, birthday or not. (But particularly, like, not.) ]

You sure you don't just wanna take a spiracorn? It's faster.

[rinwell]

[ even when perched on her head, Hootle can’t look Law in the eyes directly any more. At some point he’ll also lose said favourite perch as he grows up and fills out (not unlike his Rival), but he hasn’t hit the gangly teenaged bird phase yet (yet). Until then, he’ll settle for glowering as per usual. ]

Do you have something that needs to be delivered that urgently? [Rinwell doesn’t; plenty of things signed and sealed that need delivering, but no need for speed was specified] The trail is pretty secure these days, but if you’d rather not walk, I guess we could grab one. Or maybe one of the sleds?

[counterattack]

Nah, not urgently, I just figured—why not?

[ yeah, but with Law, it's always a Need For Speed. it's clear skies all the way from here to anywhere they want to go, so speed isn't even a necessity anymore. at this point, the incense does more good than harm (selectively; sometimes shit still gets fucky, guess the world dragon has some kinks to work out just yet) so it isn't as if they have to hurry to avoid getting turned into wolfmonsters anymore. still, old habits die hard there, too.

and also, yeah, he may be bigger and smarter, but he's still a freak that thinks BIG DEMON HORSE GO NYOOM is fun. ]

I don't mind walking. Or, uh, if they have a cab that isn't being pulled by those giant bugs, maybe... is it just me, or do they always seem like they've got the mantises lately?

[rinwell]

[ Mageling and owl-gryphlet give the older boy a knowing look, even if she doesn’t comment on his need for speed. After all, she’s still (nominally) an Eagle: in the past, the faster you could go to avoid the effects of the mist, the better! ]

If we do, I’ll have to ride with you. I’m still considered too short to ride one alone.

[ She isn’t quite as noodle-arms as when she first arrived, but no amount of magic might save you if your mount desires to flip over backwards, crush you with its weight and then eat you! ]

They are a bit easier to catch and tame. [the mantises that is.] not everyone has your way with animals, after all.

Fuuufuuuu.

[counterattack]

[ Come on, Rinwell, you can't just hand him the opportunity on a silver platter like that. He may have grown and matured some, but "just not right now" goes straight out the window in an instant and there he is, smirking. Smug, and very proud of his growth spurt. ]

Still? Wow, that's crazy.

[ okay OKAY OKAY he won't go all-in on making fun of her this time. maybe. maybe. He snuffs his thumb across his nose and veers them toward the penned monsters without another thought. ]

Yeahhh, I think we should take a spiracorn. I really don't get what's so hard about taming them. Some of the other ones, yeah, but they're just... really big horses. They like carrots.

[ ]

[rinwell]

[ ‘Still?’ Gets an immediate Look. It may be your birthday, but don’t push your luck, Law. You’re cute. But not that cute.

It’s one mirrored by Hootle, who carefully slips off her head to perch-lurch on her shoulder, paws slowly shifting back and forth. Will he jump? Won’t he? His wings aren’t unfurled yet, so there’s still time. ]

And blood. [deadpan tone is deadpan] The fact none of the stabled ones go for you is still a source of confusion for some of the trainers. They don’t believe me when I say it’s not magic, it’s just you.

[ his legs may be longer now, but Rinwell doesn’t have to lengthen her stride to keep up. Much. ]

Do you have a particular one in mind?

[counterattack]

[ look, he's officially at the age where pushing his luck is all he's capable of. Teenage heartthrob finally gaining some confidence, always doing that wolfish grin like he thinks he can get away with murder... and like, why not, he has 100% gotten away with murder before. WHY NOT NOW. ]

I've tried teaching them! I don't get why nobody else can figure it out! All you have to do is keep your palms flat, be cool, don't make eye contact, let them come to you... just like a regular horse.

[ He sees that impending pounce, Hootle. Pointedly, he doesn't move any further away and keeps his shoulders straight so he can make that leap cleanly if he decides to go for it, fully prepared for his ear or hair bead to get nipped. It's just one of those things in life you have to accept. ]

Yeah, Lollipop. She's one of the smaller ones, and she's pretty calm.

[rinwell]

The entire point is that they’re not like regular horses. [there’s a faint snort] They’re almost like a Zeugle the Renans would have made, if not for the inconvenience of being eaten by them.

Lollipop? Really?

[she can’t imagine the spiracorn is as cute as the name implies - but this IS Law she’s talking to, and she can’t help the smile she gives him. Before reaching up and catching Hootle mid-launch, hugging his squirming cat-body to her as he hoots in surprise. How did she know?! (As if he hadn’t done such a thing before.)

Spared today only. She’ll let him go back to pouncing your tail tomorrow.]

How fast is she? Can she carry two if she’s small?

[counterattack]

That's all the monsters here, though. Pretty much.

[ Funny how he's gotten used to calling them "monsters" now, too instead of defaulting to zeugle. Honestly, it's for no other reason than because he got sick of explaining the word "zeugle" to off-worlders, and also if he had to see it spelled back to him on the journal as "zoogle" one more time he might've lost his mind.

Better believe Law has a great big smirk in stock for Hootle when he gets grounded, too. He shoots it over his shoulder at the struggling gryphlet, but it goes soft at the corners when he catches Rinwell's smile. ]

Well, yeah, 'cause of its horn. It looks like one of those swirly lollipops. She can still carry two, probably even three if we had to squeeze someone in. And, uh... she's fast when she wants to be...?

[ yeah great care to elaborate?? the ominous snorting, growling and whickering coming from the stables all seems to come to a stop right as Law walks in. ]

She's not technically fully trained yet, so she still kinda does what she feels like doing sometimes.

[rinwell]

[ After living here a year, calling them monsters isn’t quite second nature, but making the distinction when in conversation with locals and fellow mistborn vs fellow Dahnans (and Renans) is easier. ]

They don’t stop being monsters just because they’re under harness. Unlike certain puppies, these things are intelligent.

[ She is very fond of the runt wolf she gave to Law oh so long ago, and while it certainly grew in size while “domesticated”, she could swear there are only 2 brain cells in that little head.

The gryphlet-owl in her arms grumbles, legs dangling as she carries him; Hootle isn’t happy, but not inclined to fight when Rinwell’s here. (But he will remember this. There will be repercussions! ..just, not today.) ]

Behave. [her attention shifts to the bundle of feathers and fur in her grasp.] Or you get to stay with Kisara till we get back. I hear she has some fish.

[ which isn’t all bad, if the way Hootle perks up is anything to go by.

Or is it over the sudden good behaviour of a barn’s worth of murder ponies? Could be both. As it is, Rinwell’s stepping down the center of the aisle between the stalls, all the better to stay out of reach of snapping teeth - no matter how placid they look in Law’s company.]

Technically? Either she’s trained or she’s not, Law.

[ And while she trusts you, the look on her face spells the potential beginnings of regret at agreeing to this venture. ]

[counterattack]

[ Bless the Fang aptly named Fang for being the dumbest living creature on this entire planet. Almost everything else in Law's life died or fell apart when Tikal sank, but somehow that absolute dingus of a wolfmonsterdog survived and has actually been kind of invaluable in helping him get back on his feet. As an emotional support buddy, but also, as it turns out, you only need two brain cells to rub together to be a decent scenthound. That doofus can track just about anything. Just... don't expect him to know what to do with it when he finds it. ]

She's, like, half-trained! That's a thing!

[ With nearly everything in the barn suddenly vibing on Law's animal whisperer wavelength, it's weirdly quiet, and his voice carries more than strictly necessary because of it. A few things poke their heads out of whatever window they have to watch them go by, mild as can be. There's a bucket of produce, mostly scraps nobody's planning on eating, that are typically thrown into the stalls to distract the monsters when it's time to saddle them up, but Law uses it a little differently. Plucking out a carrot, he heads straight to a pen with a spiracorn that immediately starts kicking the walls and ramming into the door when it sees them... and then placidly takes the carrot from Law's hand when he offers it out. ]

Here she is. See? She's just excitable, that's all.

[ she looks fucking satanic is what ]

[rinwell]

Excitable.

[ The LOOK Rinwell gives Law at his declaration after that hellbeast leaves holes in the back wall before acting placid and well behaved says volumes.

She shifts her pack, settling the straps over her shoulders a little more snuggly, before grousing under her breath. ]

I'm not sure who's the bigger dummy here: you for suggesting this, or me agreeing to go ahead.

[ She does step a little closer, then a little closer, but just out of reach of that mouth, looking from him to the mare, then back again. ]

I guess we'll both fit. Though are you going to be able to tuck your tail comfortably?

[ Otherwise she'll end up sitting on it if she's behind him, after all. ]

[counterattack]

You'll be fine, relax! She's a good horse. Aren't you, Lollipop?

[ Lollipop munches the last bit of carrot, snuffling her snout into his flattened palm and somehow, inexplicably, not opting to take his entire hand off at the wrist as a follow-up snack. Even in spite of finding no further treats, she whickers as if in answer and leaves her chin in his hand for scratches. ]

Yeah, I can just shove it in my pocket or something. Stupid thing's still always getting in my way...

[ At least he finally bit the bullet somewhere along the line and had his pants tailored to fit the tail through, that was a real nightmare. He'll have even more to gripe about when those ears pop in, too, but luckily, he's not going to be cursed with that on his birthday. Probably.

After giving the spiracorn a few more scratchies, Law opens the door to her stall and leads her out with a few gestures. No lead, no reins, no saddle, nothin'. Doesn't need 'em. Lollipop follows along obediently enough, although she does seem to want to dance from side to side, over-eager now that she's been freed from Horse Jail. Her eye goes straight to Rinwell and that little fun-sized snack next to her, but Law preempts the bray she might've let out otherwise by casually and unconcernedly stepping in-between them, offering his hands out. ]

Here, you go up first. She won't buck you off, don't worry about it.

[rinwell]

That [lollipop] is not a horse.

[ There's a hiss of agreement from the feathered ball of fur in her arms, who finally wriggles about until he can perch on her arm then hops up onto her shoulder. Only after doing so does Hootle fufu at Law, a scold!

...It's hard not to trust that he has things under control when you see how the creature behaves in Law's hands. ]

She's only half trained, right? Shouldn't you put a saddle on her so that having both of us riding helps with that?

[ Petting Hootle in order to sooth him, Rinwell stays out of Law's way as he leads the spiracorn mare from her stall, murmuring back and forth with her owl as she does so. Even as his feathers settle back, there's no denying he's not happy. ]

You should stay, Hootle, and keep an eye on Kisara for me. [there's a FUUU? with huge eyes] I know, I know, but you'd be riding in front of me, and you wouldnt enjoy that. You're getting too big to stow in my hood anymore. And we wouldn't want Kisara to be lonely, would we?

[counterattack]

Oh, nah. She doesn't like saddles. It's the girth strap. See, she has a sensitive stomach, so it's uncomfortable to have that heavy thing pulled tight around it. That's why she's always throwing people off. She'll be calmer if we don't push it with that.

[ How does he know—

He just knows, okay? He just. Knows. Law stumbles forward a little as Lollipop nudges him in the back with her head, narrowly avoiding stabbing him with that evil-looking horn. Honestly, only an insane person would turn their back to a spiracorn in the first place, but that's perfectly fine because that's exactly what Law is. He twists a little to give her some attention in the form of placating pats, but his focus is on Hootle. Does he look smug that he's getting tooootally sidelined? Yeah, maybe just a little bit. ]

For sure, Hootle. You'd be totally bored, anyways. Me'n Rinwell aren't gonna do anything fun. At all. At least with Kisara you can look forward to some fish.

[ "Nothing fun at all" indeed, they're gonna get trampled by a demon unicorn on his birthday. That's super fun. ]

[rinwell]

[ That patented matched glare, the sign of bird and girl being entirely too in sync with one another for comfort, turns on Law. You, sir, are not helping, and there’s an added cat bristle to how Hootle puffs up in reply, one paw making a swiping motion - albeit with no talons extended.. ]

It will be work. [even if it is the fun kind, sort of, murder horses not included] And you did enjoy the course we set up for you last time, right? Kisara was designing a new one for you to train with.

[ Evidently THAT is the best way to bring the gryphowlet around, as he immediately whistles in interest, soft fus warbled as Rinwell walks him back to the barn entrance. And if anything else is said? well. Law doesn’t have wolf ears to pick up on those words.

Eventually, she comes back, arms free of feathers, and still clearly none too trusting of dear little Lollipop. Then, a sigh, before she turns to Law, Rinwell mindful to stand where instructed so he can boost her up onto the spiracorn’s back. Oh so easily, no doubt. ]

If she bucks me off and tries to murder me when we’re on the road, birthday or no birthday, I’m hitting you both with lightning.

[counterattack]

[ Glare all you want, Law still looks smug as they walk off. All things considered, he's generally made his peace with Hootle, what with trying to eat him once and all. That hasn't done much, if anything, for their whole weird rivalry thing, but one could argue it's a sign of how much Law's changed that he doesn't overreact to being divebombed all the time. He'd never admit to it in a million years, but sometimes, just sometimes, he even gives his tail a little wiggle for Hootle to practice his pouncing on, with the vain hope that he'll keep the claws in and not snatch out a bunch of the hairs in his beak to build a nest with, or whatever. Occasionally, they have this silent, mutual understanding.

Occasionally, Hootle is a literal pain in his ass.

But when it comes to who gets Rinwell's attention? Yeah, there's a seriously cocky curl to one side of mouth that doesn't quite abate even as he's turning to slip a simple bridle on over Lollipop's head. She won't put up with saddles, but she'll take the bit when it's Law coaxing her to do it, nobody else. But that's probably because he's completely fearless about pressing his hand against her terrifying monster mouth, whereas the rest of the sane world doesn't want to get a hand taken off for their efforts. ]

Aw, c'mon, don't say that, you'll make her self-conscious! I wouldn't put you in danger on purpose, you know that.

[ Key phrase: "on purpose".

Anyway, yeah, Law sure does pick her up like she's nothing—one-armed, the other bent to let her use it as a boost to step on and swing her leg over. The spiracorn sidles about, a little antsy, but doesn't go anywhere. ]

You can hang onto the ridges on her back there as tight as you need to. Squeeze with your knees, not your calves. It's kinda slide-y without a saddle, but you won't fly off once I'm up there, trust me. I mean, not unless I do. But I won't.

[rinwell]

I know you wouldn't.

[ There's a theatrical sigh, but the words are meant genuinely: for all their snark and elbow-ribbing, Rinwell trusts Law with her life. And for all her threats of lightning, she's steadfastly refused to cast her spells on her friends Ever Since Then, even in times of great danger.

The phoenix crystal notwithstanding.

There's a soft 'hup' as Rinwell mounts up on the spiracorn, already sliding back as Law gives his advice. If she's nervous about being perched so far forward, she does her best not to show it. ]

You better not. Otherwise they really wouldn't let me near these things again any time soon.

[ Her pack is relatively small, but that's just fine; it has the bare essentials. And with a speedy mount, they don't have to worry about roughing it before getting to their destination. Theoretically.

Lollipop might have other ideas on that score, of course. ]

Well, I'm ready whenever you are.

[counterattack]

[ At that, Law just grins, cocky and self-assured in a way he never would have looked a year or so ago. A year ago, he was Jurassic Worlding ornery spiracorns and didn't have any confidence whatsoever, and now just look at him: clinically insane. Smooching a demon horse on the nose before he jumps up on its back.

He gathers up the reins once he's settled in up front, and if the look in his eye when he glances back at Rinwell seems like trouble, well... that's because it is. ]

You sure about that? Better hang on tight, then!

[ They could be normal and not crazy and, you know, walk calmly out of the barn, down to the gate, and then kick off, but what fun would that be? It barely takes a nudge with his heels for Lollipop to bolt like a bat out of hell, letting out a shriek that's more hellbeast- than horse-sounding. They're just lucky she doesn't rear before she takes off, otherwise one or both of them would probably be getting left behind on the ground right about now. ]

[rinwell]

[ WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS

Even a year seems so short a time from where both are now sitting - literally, and figuratively - The more things change, the more they stay the same in the ways that count.

..But mostly meant literally, however, Rinwell's shriek blending with that of the spiracorn as it hurtles itself into a full blown charge from standing. Her arms immediately wrap about Law's middle, a vice grip forged of panic. Her own words moments ago are left in their collective dust, and her face is buried in the back of his shirt, barely cognizant of yells and exclamations as the riders thunder past the locals hereabouts. ]

Jerk!

[eventually spluttered somewhere behind his left shoulder; she is not going to attempt to look to the side or around him if they're going this fast.]